Losing someone in a crash changes your life. In the middle of grief, you’re left facing hard questions. Why did this happen? Who’s responsible? And how do you hold them accountable? At the Law Offices of Adrianos Facchetti, we focus on answers that lead to action.
If you’re thinking about filing a wrongful death lawsuit, you deserve clear advice, honest support, and someone who knows how to handle a fatal car accident case in Pasadena. We don’t believe in quick promises we believe in results. A Pasadena car accident lawyer from our firm can walk you through your options, help you understand what wrongful death claims involve, and fight for the full value of what your family has lost. Start with a free review of your case and get real clarity on what comes next.
When Tragedy Strikes on Pasadena’s Roads
When a fatal car crash takes someone you love, you’re left to make sense of something senseless. You may be angry, confused, or simply trying to get through the next day. At the Law Offices of Adrianos Facchetti, we help families like yours move through this difficult time with clear steps forward. Our goal is to make sure you understand your rights and have the support of a fatal car accident lawyer who listens and takes your case seriously.
A fatal car crash isn’t just another accident it’s the kind that brings everything to a stop. From filing a fatal car accident lawsuit to dealing with insurance companies and gathering police reports, we know how to handle each step. If you’re not sure where to begin, we offer a free review of your case to help you decide what comes next.
What the Numbers Say: Fatal Crashes in California
More than 4,400 people died on California roads in 2022. These aren’t just statewide figures they show up on local streets and highways, in neighborhoods, you know. Pasadena has its share of high-risk intersections and speeding corridors where fatal auto accidents happen too often.
Behind each number is a family changed forever. A parent. A child. A friend. These crashes don’t just cause loss of life they create long legal and financial challenges. When someone else is at fault, you may be entitled to make a fatal accident claim for things like medical expenses, funeral costs, and the loss of future income. Our accident lawyers help you make sense of it all and take action when it matters most.
What Really Causes Fatal Car Accidents in Pasadena?
Many fatal motor vehicle accidents happen because someone made a careless or reckless choice. We’ve seen too many families suffer because of drivers who were texting, speeding, or driving under the influence.
1. Distracted Driving
Looking at a phone for even a few seconds can lead to a crash. Texting, eating, or adjusting a GPS can take a driver’s eyes and mind off the road.
2. Drunk or Drug-Impaired Driving
Alcohol and drug use affect reaction time and decision-making. Impaired drivers cause many fatal car crashes each year.
3. Speeding Through Urban Streets
Fast driving on city streets leaves little room for error. High speeds often lead to serious injury or death, especially in pedestrian zones.
4. Running Red Lights or Stop Signs
Ignoring traffic signals often leads to head-on collisions or side impacts, which are more likely to result in fatal injuries.
5. Aggressive or Reckless Driving
Tailgating, weaving through traffic, or road rage can all lead to serious car accidents and make it harder to avoid collisions.
6. Fatigued or Drowsy Drivers
Tired drivers have slower reaction times and can drift into other lanes or miss signals, making them a danger to everyone on the road.
7. Failure to Yield to Pedestrians
Crosswalks are often ignored, putting pedestrians at risk especially near schools, parks, and intersections.
8. Defective Vehicle Parts or Poor Maintenance
Sometimes a car’s failure isn’t the driver’s fault. Worn brakes, broken lights, or bad tires can lead to loss of control.
9. Weather-Related Visibility Issues
Fog, rain, and glare from the sun can all make it harder to see road signs, other vehicles, or people crossing the street.
10. Poorly Designed or Maintained Roadways
Sharp turns, potholes, or missing signs make accidents more likely, especially when combined with high traffic or poor lighting.
11. Inexperienced Drivers Behind the Wheel
Young or new drivers often misjudge speed, spacing, or how to handle emergencies, which increases the risk of crashes.
12. Multi-Vehicle Pileups on Freeways
One small mistake on a crowded freeway can quickly turn into a chain reaction involving multiple vehicles and serious injuries.
If you lost someone in a crash, knowing what caused it is the first step. Our experienced car accident attorneys dig into the details from the accident scene to the driver’s record to find out what went wrong and who’s responsible. We work with legal teams to gather medical records, witness statements, and expert reviews to strengthen your accident claim. With our help, you can pursue fair compensation and focus on what matters most.
Who Can Legally File a Fatal Crash Claim in California?
Not everyone can bring a wrongful death lawsuit, even if they were close to the person who passed. California law names specific people who can take legal action after a fatal auto accident. If you’re unsure whether you qualify, a fatal auto accident lawyer can help you understand your role.
- Spouses and domestic partners
- Children and stepchildren
- Parents of the deceased, especially for minors or if they depended on them financially
- Grandchildren, if their parent is no longer alive
- Anyone who was financially supported by the deceased
- The personal representative handling the estate
Talking to a fatal auto accidents attorney early can help you know where you stand and how to move forward.
The Legal Path to Justice: From Claim to Courtroom
A wrongful death case isn’t just about proving what happened it’s also about showing why it matters. The process begins with gathering facts, reviewing types of evidence, and working through the legal steps to build a strong case.
This includes collecting reports, speaking with witnesses, and working with law enforcement. Your accident injury lawyers will also deal with the insurance provider, pushing back if they try to delay or deny fair compensation. Most cases settle, but if a trial is needed, we’re ready.
Deadlines matter. Missing one could mean losing the chance to file a wrongful death lawsuit at all. That’s why it’s important to speak to experienced attorneys early, especially during a challenging time like this.
Building the Case: Proving Fault in a Fatal Car Accident
The key to a wrongful death case is showing how and why the crash happened. This isn’t just about saying the other driver was wrong. It’s about showing the facts clearly so there’s no question about who was at fault.
We start by reviewing the accident scene, police reports, and photos. If available, black box data or cell phone records help show speed, phone use, or braking. We also speak with witnesses, examine medical records, and may bring in accident reconstruction experts to explain how the crash unfolded. These steps are especially important in complex accident types like drunk driving accidents, sideswipe accidents, or multi-vehicle collisions.
Our team understands how to handle a wide range of accident injuries, from spinal cord trauma to internal bleeding. This deep review of the evidence helps push for fair compensation from the fault party’s insurance provider.
Damages You Can Pursue After a Fatal Car Crash
Wrongful death claims don’t just look at what happened they ask what’s been lost. This includes financial support, shared experiences, and emotional connection. California law allows families to pursue both financial and non-economic damages in these cases.
- Funeral and burial costs
- Medical care provided before death
- Loss of income or support the person would have provided
- Loss of companionship, affection, and guidance
- Emotional pain and suffering of surviving family members
These are real and lasting losses, even if they don’t come with receipts. Whether it’s the loss of quality of life or enjoyment of life, your wrongful death lawyer will make sure every part of your loss is accounted for.
Insurance Companies Aren’t Always on Your Side
Most people think filing a claim is simple you report the crash and get a check. But when a fatal accident happens, insurance companies shift into defense mode. They may downplay the details, argue about fault, or try to settle fast and low. This isn’t personal. It’s business. But it affects your future.
The insurance agent isn’t there to protect your rights. They’re looking to close your claim as quickly and cheaply as possible. That’s why having an experienced team on your side matters. We know the claims process, the insurance policies, and the tactics used to avoid full payouts. We’ll push back and make sure your claim for compensation reflects the full picture financial losses, emotional trauma, and future needs.
Talk to a lawyer before speaking with the insurer.
Why Choosing the Right Fatal Car Accident Lawyer Matters
Not every law firm handles fatal car crashes the same way. These cases involve deep grief, serious legal details, and often, a complicated fight for financial recovery. You want someone who sees your case as more than paperwork. Someone who knows the laws in Pasadena, understands local traffic patterns, and has built strong cases after motor vehicle crashes just like yours.
A Pasadena fatal car accident lawyer from the Law Offices of Adrianos Facchetti brings both legal skill and local insight. We know the accident reports, the expert witnesses, and the courtrooms in this area. Our team brings together years of combined experience handling crash injuries and wrongful death cases across Southern California. That experience can make a real difference, especially when you’re going up against a large insurer.
FAQs About Filing a Fatal Car Accident Claim in Pasadena
What is the statute of limitations for wrongful death in California?
You typically have two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit. If you miss the deadline, your case could be dismissed, no matter how strong it is.
Do I need to prove negligence to win a fatal accident claim?
Yes. You'll need to show that the other party failed their duty of care and that this failure caused the fatal crash. This is where evidence, expert witness testimony, and legal skill come into play.
What’s the difference between a wrongful death and a survival action?
A wrongful death claim seeks damages for the family’s loss. A survival action is filed on behalf of the deceased for things like medical bills or pain before death. Both claims can be filed together.
Can more than one family member be compensated?
Yes. California allows eligible family members to share in a compensation claim. This often includes spouses, children, and others who depended on the deceased.
Can I afford a lawyer?
You don’t pay anything upfront. We work on a contingency basis, meaning we only get paid if we win. That way, you can get legal help without taking on more financial stress.
Call a Pasadena Fatal Car Accident Attorney for a Free Case Review
You shouldn’t have to handle this alone. At the Law Offices of Adrianos Facchetti, we offer a free, no-obligation consultation so you can understand your options. We’ll talk through the facts, answer your questions, and explain what a fair settlement looks like. You’ll speak directly with someone who’s handled wrongful death claims in Pasadena and knows how to deal with negligent drivers, insurance company tactics, and accident challenges.
Our client intake team is here to help you take the next step. Fill out our form or call today for your complimentary consultation with a Pasadena fatal car accident lawyer.
